SkinActive 4% AHA + BHA & Niacinamide Charcoal Face Serum — Reddit Reviews
by Garnier
Updated October 29, 2026
4% AHA/BHA peeling serum; Reddit reports barrier damage and enlarged-looking pores.
What the community says
A 4% AHA/BHA peeling serum with niacinamide and charcoal, used as a deep-cleansing step rather than nightly hydration. Reddit users report worse skin, clogged bumps, enlarged-looking pores, and possible barrier damage; shaving beforehand makes irritation more likely.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Some users say their skin worsened after starting
- Closed and open comedones plus enlarged-looking pores reported
- Barrier damage and shaving-triggered irritation complaints
Product details
Key Ingredients
Based on limited Reddit discussion so far
Where to buy
What the science says
Niacinamide has some evidence for fading dark spots, since all four studies that tested it directly found it helped even out patches 1. Its acne findings also have some evidence, with most studies reporting benefit though some found no clear difference 2. For signs of aging, niacinamide has some evidence too, with both studies showing firmer skin and fewer wrinkles 3. Its effect on the skin barrier is not proven yet, resting on a single study that showed less water loss 4.
- Niacinamide for hyperpigmentation Some evidence · 17 studies
- Niacinamide for acne Some evidence · 17 studies
- Niacinamide for anti-aging Some evidence · 8 studies
- Niacinamide for skin barrier Not proven yet · 17 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
How we grade researchReal Reddit threads — 4 mentions across 2 threads
Garnier SkinActive 4% AHA + BHA & Niacinamide Charcoal Face Serum on Reddit, in one place — 2 threads from r/SkincareAddiction and r/30PlusSkinCare, summarized.
“have recently included the Garnier charcol aha+bha serum every other night”
Cautionary
“it doesn't seem to help much either”
Cautionary
“Peeling (deep-cleansing) Serum: Garnier Charcoal AHA+BHA Serum (Do not use on the days you shave. 2–3 times per week is enough.)”
Positive
“just be careful with the aha bha serum after shaving and watch for irritation.”
Positive
“also might want to add a retinol eventually for the under-eye stuff, but give this routine a few weeks first to see how your skin reacts.”
Positive
